9051To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 28 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library The 20th. Instant I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 12th. with Postscript of the 13th. by the hand of my Son, who will be the Bearer of this. I should have replied immediately, and at all hazards to my health have made a Journey to Whitehall, on the subject of Mr. Secretary Thomson’s Letter, which considering...
9052To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Brühl, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I presume to trouble you with an Application for a Letter of Recommendation in favour of Mr Biederman Dr of Law in the University of Leipzig who in the Course of last year set out for America in the Capacity of Agent & Manager of the Concerns & Interest of many of our principal Manufacturers & Merchants. If you should be inclined to comply with my Request,...
9053To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Cadet de Vaux présente l’assurance de Son très humble respect à Monsieur franklin. Sa commission pour la farine de Mays est faite, du moment ou Elle Sera arrivée, il en Sera prevenu. La cheminée poele réussit à merveille. M.M. le grand et molinos auront l’honneur d’aller en rendre compte à Monsieur franklin, un jour avec moi. M. Cadet prie Monsieur...
9054To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library Mr. Bourdieu of London intending shortly a visit to France is desirous of paying his Respects at Passy. Permit me Sir, the liberty of introducing him in person to your acquaintance. To say Mr. Bourdieu merits the regard & acknowledgements of the Citizens of our United States would be only repeating what I have heretofore...
9055To Benjamin Franklin from Leveux, 30 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay reçu la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 8 de ce mois. En consequence de vos ordres Je Joins a la presente le compte de mes Debours pour les prisonniers americains échapés d’angleterre depuis 1779 Jusqu’a ce Jour. Il Se monte a 1712.10. l.t. mes Debours pour les Effets de Mr Jay 9.15. 1722. 5 J’attendray vos ordres pour le...
9056To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Joly, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Voudra telle me permetre de luy demender si tous les capitaines de vaisseau du Roy peuvent esperer d’etre admis dans le nombre des cicinnati ? Une vaine curiosité n’excite pas en moy cette question: un interet personnel m’engage de La faire a son excellence. Mr. joly de Cabenoux (mon gendre) est l’un des capitaines de vaisseau du roy, il comendoit a la...
9057To Benjamin Franklin from William Withering, [before 17 April 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in William Withering, The Miscellaneous Tracts of the Late William Withering; to Which is Prefixed a Memoir of His Life, Character, and Writings (2 vols., London, 1822), II , 485–6. Believing the passing of the stone to be impossible, the extraction of it unadvisable, and that no known medicine can dissolve it, I shall turn my attention to such methods as will be most likely to prevent...
9058To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 1 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Ridley fait à Monsr. Franklin Ses très humbles remerciements de l’envoy des 29. Vol. qui completent les 39. de L’encyclopedie dont le porteur lui comptera la valeur en 228 l.t. 12.— Au cas que Monsieur Franklin ait été muni du titre de la Souscription il obligera Mr. Ridley de vouloir bien le lui faire remettre à loccasion. This letter, in French,...
9059John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 2 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
I duely received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the Subject of a Treaty with Prussia and have communicated it to the Baron de Thuelemeier. The King agrees to take the Treaty with Sweeden for a Model and if your Excellencies have any Alterations to propose I should be obliged to you for the Communication of them. The Baron waits the further Instructions of the King, before he...
9060John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 2 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duely received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the Subject of a Treaty with Prussia and have communicated it to the Baron de Thuelemeier. The King agrees to take the Treaty with Sweeden for a Model and if your Excellencies have any Alterations to propose I should be obliged to you for the Communication of them. The Baron waits the...
9061To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 2 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind letter of the 19. of March this morning, and thank you most heartily for it, tho; I confess it lowers our spirits, as it seems to take away the hope of seeing you here. The papers tell us you are soon to return to America, and I begin to fear you intend to do so without giving a look at poor Old England. I am much in your debt every...
9062To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 3 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After I had given Mr. Partridge a letter for you, it occurred to me that we are famous at this Place for making Hare-down Gloves. I take the liberty of entreating your acceptance of 2 pair. If you approve of them have the goodness to signify it to me by a line, and I shall think myself equally honored and obliged by being permitted to supply you with them...
9063To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine de Rubigny de Berteval, 3 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis on ne peust plus reconnoisant de la bonté que vous avez Eut de repondre a La Lettre que Javois Eut L’honneur de vous Ecrire Je suis pleinement satisfait de votre reponse. Le 1e. moment ou mes affaire me permetront de quiter Je nauray rien de plus pressé que daller Vous presenter mon Respect. Jay L’honneur d’Estre avec Une grande consideration...
9064To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 4 March [i.e., April] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je vous dois mil remercimens mon bon papa de votre joli billét et de votre lettre aux auteurs du journal de paris, mais je vous en devrés deux mil, si vous y joignés l’avis a Ceux qui veulent passer en amérique, j’éspérois aller vous le demander aujourd’hui et m’etablir pour six ou sept mois a passy mais mon pauvre mari a la goutte aux deux jambes, et la...
9065To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte de Cheminot, 4 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Madame de cheminot presente ces civiliteé a monsieur francklin et prend la liberteé de luy mender que demain Lundy 5 d’avril elle profitera de la permission quil a bien voulu luy donner daller dejeuner chez luy elle ŷ menera messieurs le roy gudin quointin qui sont penetree de cette marque de bonte de monsieur francklin. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur...
9066To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Trumbull, 5 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to introduce Messrs. Gerrey, and Buckingham, the Bearers to your kind notice to advise means for thier recovering some money due on some French Bills of Exchange, which they lost by accident and were accepted for payment premiture to thier presentation: probably you may put ’em in a way for to assert thier Rights if the evidence they have...
9067To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph (Jean) Dupas de Iden de Valnais, 5 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Valnais presents his Respects to Dtr. Franklin. He has the honor to inform his Excellency that Mrs. de Valnais is happily delivered this morning of a Son: Both are very well— Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis de L’Amerique du N. / auprés de la Cour de France / A Passy— The former French...
9068To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 6 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been long intending to write to you, and I feel ashamed that I have not done it Sooner. Your letter wch: was brot: me by Mr Bingham gave me great pleasure. It inclosed a case for an air Balloon and a print wch:, in conformity to your desire, I deliver’d to the President of the Royal Society. Soon after Mr Bingham’s arrival, Mr Daggs brot: me your...
9069To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 7 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library I had the honor of addressing you under the 31st Ulto, by the hands of my Son, who I hope will pay his Respects at Passy the present Day. This Morning I am favored with yours of the same Date, enclosing the several Copies of Papers from Congress, which you have enumerated, & also an open Letter to Charles Thompson Esqr, not...
9070To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 8 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As the Marquis de la fayette is Kind Enough to Suply me with Every Nessary to Return to my Native Country, and as I intend to Leave paris in a day or two I beg you will Kind Enough to send me a Pasport for LOrent. As to the small Sum of Money you was Kind Enough to lend me you may be assured that as Soon As I arrive in America I will Reimburce you with...
9071To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd: Two Letters, 9 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received a long Letter by this Days post from the Baron d’Ogny Postmaster General of France relative to the Treaty between the two Kingdoms which will require mature Consideration and I am not at present enabled to answer it, but great Difficulties already occur with regard to the Letters from North...
9072To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-David Le Roy, [10–11 April 1784] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society This is the first known letter to Franklin from Julien-David Le Roy, one of the three brothers of Franklin’s close friend and neighbor Jean-Baptiste. Franklin had met the brothers during his first visit to Paris in 1767. Julien-David, though best known as an architect, was also an expert on ancient ship design and navigation. He had begun studying lateen...
9073John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your Objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too that your Excellencies will transmit it to...
9074John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too...
9075To Benjamin Franklin from Uriah Forrest, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed came to my hands this day and as it appears to have met with rough treatment on it’s Passage I have done myself the Honor to put it under Cover. Shou’d there be any thing at this place which your Excellency can Charge me with that will be usefull to yourself or Our Country It will afford me real pleasure Being with all possible Respect Yr....
9076To Benjamin Franklin from Valnais, 11 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but this day Received the Billet your Excellency has honored me with. It is directed to the hotel d’angleterre & I Lodge at the hotel de Londres. Its not Coming Sooner is the Cause I have not answered before. I am penetrated with the warmest Sentiments of the most Respectful gratitude for your Kind attention for Mrs. de Valnais. She charges me to...
9077To Benjamin Franklin from La Condamine, 12 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Que je vous sçais gré, monsieur, d’avoir bien voulu prendre la peine de me répondre, malgré les grandes et importantes occupations dont je vous suppose environné! Vos travaux littéraires et politiques m’avoient inspiré pour vous, monsieur, de profonds sentimens de respect et d’estime; vous venez d’y ajoûter ceux de l’amour et de la reconnoissance; je vous...
9078To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je continue d’adresser à V.E. [Votre Excellence] la Lre. cijointe pour le Congrè’s, vous priant, M, après l’avoir lue de vouloir bien la fermer & lui donner cours par premier Navire qui fera voile pour le Continent. J’ai tiré le 5 de ce mois sur V.E. le semestre de mon salaire échu le 30 Juin prochain, savoir come à l’ordinaire £2700 tournois à une usance à...
9079To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the Liberty of writing to you by the favour of your Grandson sometime since —and It is only from very urgent Reasons that I am induc’d again to trouble you, which I hope you will be so good to pardon. I have not ever mentioned to you myself, any other part of my unfortunate History, but that of being intirely deprived of the Society of my amiable...
9080To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress We take the liberty to inform your Excellency that in consequence of the Success of the new Loan, his Excellency John Adams Esqr authorised us to open for acct of Congress, we have become in the Situation to pay due honor to every disposal, we have hitherto advice, his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. Super Intendant of Finance has been pleased to make on us. We have the...
9081To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor to address your Excellency on the 6th. inst, whereunto I beg leave to refer. This cheafly Serves to enclose a Copy of a letter I Just now received from my friend M. Bodin at Lille, to whom I wrote to enquire about the price of Bells. If that which was offer’d me here at 30 s. per pound all charges included, as mentioned in my Said letter,...
9082To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your two very kind letters of which the first was not dated & the last dated Passy March 26th. 1784 & I am very happy to find that you are well & I hope your Grandson Benjamin Franklin Bache is also. I received Mr Bache’s letter & answered it & which I hope, by this time, he has received.— My dear Mama, whom I have seen not long ago, has...
9083To Benjamin Franklin from Louis de Boislandry and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 18 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Between March and mid-August, 1784, Franklin received far fewer unsolicited letters concerning commerce with America than he did during and immediately following the peace negotiations. The one from Louis de Boislandry, printed as a sample, is from an already established firm. As before, a number of authors sent or threatened to send copies of their work,...
9084To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens: Two Letters, 18 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library I beg leave to refer to my Letter of the 7th. Inst. by the hands of Mr. Bourdieu. Mr. Hartley call’d upon me the 13th. at Bath & return’d a verbal answer. “The King had ordered him immediately to Paris for exchanging the Ratifications.” & he accordingly goes & will do me the honor of delivering this. Nothing...
9085To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [19 April 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon Illustre docteur Je comptois bien avoir Lhonneur de vous aller voir ce Soir et de me dèdommager du tems que jai passe Sans aller vous attaquer ou me deffendre aux echcs Mais malheureusement un petit accès de fièvre m’empeche de Sortir. Une autre raison qui me faisoit desirer d’avoir Lhonneur de vous voir ce Soir c’etoit pour vous rappeller que Les...
9086To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 19 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my last I informed you that I had taken measures to gain information respecting Mr Marggrander and the other persons enquired after. The enclosed is a copy of letter I have received from our old neighbour Reuben Haines in answer to my enquiries touching Marggrander. With respect to the others I have yet heard nothing— Give me leave my dear Sir to...
9087John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 20 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have just now received the Letter which D r Franklin did me the Honour to write me on the 16 th. with the Copy of the Treaty with Sweeden. I have before inclosed the King of Prussias Project of a Treaty, prepared as I am assured by his Minister with his own Hand in his private Cabinet. I believe it has been reserved to the present Age when the subtilties of Aristotle and the schools are...
9088John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 20 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have just now received the Letter which Dr Franklin did me the Honour to write me on the 16th. with the Copy of the Treaty with Sweeden. I have before inclosed the King of Prusisas Project of a Treaty, prepared as I am assured by his Minister with his own Hand in his private Cabinet. I believe it has been reserved to...
9089To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 20 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed I have the honor to send you a Letter from the house of Drouilhet advising me of their having drawn upon your Excellency for £s [ l.t. ] 13447.5. s. at 60 days date making the Sum of 54000 Rials de Vn. [Veillon] or 2700 Dollars for the payment of a bill drawn by Mr Morris on me which bill became due since my Departure from Madrid.— I intended to...
9090To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 21 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Nephews Daniel Bell & David Barclay being likely to spend a few days at Paris, I take the freedom to introduce them to Thee, as well for the favour of Thy Countenance, as to bring me Information of Thy Welfare— The long Winter and uncommonly late Spring have been disadvantageous to many Constitutions, in wch I have had a Share, & hope, Thine has not...
9091To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Jr., 21 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of addressing your Excellency on a Subject, in which I am sure you will find your Philosophy as well as Humanity not a little interested. The eldest Daughter of Mr George Meade, a respectable Merchant & Citizen of Philadelphia,—a young Lady of about 15 Years of Age, has now been above Six Months in England, under the Care of some of the...
9092To Benjamin Franklin from Gaetano Filangieri, 21 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Translation of ALS in Italian: Historical Society of Pennsylvania On the 20th of November of last year, 1783, I sent you the fourth volume of my work on La scienza della legislazione, and a few days later I shipped, via Marseille, a trunk containing more copies of the same volume, in the same quantity as the other volumes you had previously received through Mr. Pio. Before that, I had sent you...
9093To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 21 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arriv’d here the 12th Jany., after a Voyage, & Journey, exceedingly laborious, & disagreeable.— Fourteen Days sooner, I could have had the Satisfaction, of seeing my Grandpappa.— Why did I arrive later?— I acknowledge the Fault. It will not bear Reflection:— May the Lesson prove as useful, as ’tis severe. I really deserv’d a harder Stroke, than Your...
9094To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, [between 22 April 1784 and 18 May 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had proposed myself the honor of dining to day at Passy, but Business of the day has prevented me of having that Pleasure As I propose going to England early on Sunday morning, I shall be proud to receive your commands and of executing any of your orders As I am with the greatest Respect & Regard dear Sir Your most faithful & obed Sert. Addressed: A Son...
9095To Benjamin Franklin from Cadet de Vaux, 23 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous Envoyer l’Epreuve de la lettre que vous avés eu la complaisance de me remettre. Je vous prie de la faire repasser au Bureau du journal de Paris (rue Grenelle St honoré) DIMANCHE AVANT 9 HEURES , afin qu’elle paraisse dans la feuille du lundi, le dimanche nous laissant un peu plus d’espace dans le Journal du lundi, par la Suppression...
9096To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Isaac Poissonnier, 26 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society On March 12, 1784, the French government ordered the Faculté de médecine to conduct an investigation of animal magnetism. It had been six years since the man who claimed to have discovered it, Franz Anton Mesmer, had established an independent medical practice in Paris, and three years since the last of several attempts to examine his methods had failed....
9097To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take this opportunity Via Amsterdam with pleasure to acquaint you, of Sally’s safe delivery of a fine boy, whom we intend calling Richard; and that she is well down Stairs again, and the Child perfectly hearty— We have no Letters from you since Barney’s arrival, we are however flattering ourselves with the pleasure of seeing you this approaching Summer;...
9098To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Rochambeau, 29 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Vcte. De Rochambeau a deja eu l’honneur d’envoyer L’année passée a Monsieur Le Docteur franklin Le premier volume du traité sur Les bois. L’auteur vient de lui addresser Le premier cahier du Second volume en le priant d’en faire passer un exemplaire a Passy. Il est enchanté que cette occasion lui fournisse celle de Le rappeller a son souvenir et de...
9099To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am oblig’d for your kind Letter, & the present accompanying it, which I think of great Moment to my future Patent.— When I first apply’d to have Type cemented for the incorrect Pamphlet I sent You, Mr. Caslon charg’d Me 2 s./0 per Pound for them, instead of 1 s./0 the common Price of Letters, but gave Me Expectation that the Demand would be lessen’d, if...
9100To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 3 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Shortly after my last, the foregoing petition was presented to the Assembly; it was referred to the Committee of ways & means, who made a favorable Report, the day before their adjournment; therefore not time to have procured leave to bring in a Bill, which have good reason to believe, would then have been readily granted. But some persons are now making...